Patents by Inventor Nathan Michael THOME

Nathan Michael THOME has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20240255988
    Abstract: A storage element for a computing device (304) includes a device sleeve (302) configured to receive a computing device. The device sleeve (302) includes an accessory slot (312) configured to receive a computing accessory (306). When the computing device (304) is inserted into the device sleeve (302), the accessory (306) is automatically inserted into the accessory slot (312). When the computing device (304) is removed from the device sleeve (302), the computing device (304) grabs, by magnetic attraction force, the accessory (306) and pulls it out of the device sleeve (302).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2022
    Publication date: August 1, 2024
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Nathan Michael THOME, Robyn Rebecca Reed MCLAUGHLIN, Lynda Anne HORTON-JONES, Whitney Anne REED, Kaitlyn Marley SHOECK
  • Patent number: 11836013
    Abstract: A method of controlling opening resistance in an electronic device includes maintaining the electronic device in a closed state via a resistive force, wherein the resistive force is applied by at least one of: a hinge of the electronic device, and magnets of the electronic device. The method further includes using a sensor on an underside of the electronic device to detect a force applied to a first portion of the electronic device and determining that the force corresponds to a user initiating opening of the electronic device. In accordance with the determination, the method further includes reducing the resistive force to assist the user in opening the electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Han Li, Masaaki Fukumoto, Nathan Michael Thome, James David Holbery, Paul Christopher Kos
  • Patent number: 11836010
    Abstract: An improved method and system for providing an adjustable foot (155) for an electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device may include a base (150), at least a foot (155) containing a portion being movable relative to the base between a first configuration and a second configuration, a magnetic element for moving said movable portion of the foot between the first configuration and the second configuration, and a display element (140) movably connected to the base, where the movement of the display element (140) from a first position to a second position causes the magnetic element to move the movable portion from the first configuration to the second configuration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Nathan Michael Thome
  • Patent number: 11630489
    Abstract: A computing device comprises a base that comprises a base surface configured to support the computing device on a supporting surface, and a front wall adjoining and extending away from the base surface. The computing device also includes a chassis adjoining the base, the chassis comprising a planar user interactive surface comprising one or more user input components. The chassis also comprises an overhanging brim that extends beyond at least the front wall of the base and comprises at least one magnet configured to removably retain a stylus underneath the overhanging brim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Nathan Michael Thome, Robyn Rebecca Reed McLaughlin, Kaitlyn Marley Schoeck, Aseem Singla, Joseph Benjamin Gault
  • Publication number: 20230067384
    Abstract: A computing device comprises a base that comprises a base surface configured to support the computing device on a supporting surface, and a front wall adjoining and extending away from the base surface. The computing device also includes a chassis adjoining the base, the chassis comprising a planar user interactive surface comprising one or more user input components. The chassis also comprises an overhanging brim that extends beyond at least the front wall of the base and comprises at least one magnet configured to removably retain a stylus underneath the overhanging brim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2021
    Publication date: March 2, 2023
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Nathan Michael THOME, Robyn Rebecca Reed MCLAUGHLIN, Kaitlyn Marley SCHOECK, Aseem SINGLA, Joseph Benjamin GAULT
  • Patent number: 11531405
    Abstract: The patent relates to securely storing an input device relative to a computing device. One example can include a housing and a trough defined in the housing and configured to receive at least a portion of an input device. This example can also include a pair of opposing levers that are contained in the trough when the trough is empty and that pivot proud out of the trough around and against the input device installed in the trough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Nathan Michael Thome, Aseem Singla, Robyn Rebecca Reed McLaughlin
  • Publication number: 20220382326
    Abstract: An improved method and system for providing an adjustable foot (155) for an electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device may include a base (150), at least a foot (155) containing a portion being movable relative to the base between a first configuration and a second configuration, a magnetic element for moving said movable portion of the foot between the first configuration and the second configuration, and a display element (140) movably connected to the base, where the movement of the display element (140) from a first position to a second position causes the magnetic element to move the movable portion from the first configuration to the second configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventor: Nathan Michael THOME
  • Publication number: 20220374090
    Abstract: The patent relates to securely storing an input device relative to a computing device. One example can include a housing and a trough defined in the housing and configured to receive at least a portion of an input device. This example can also include a pair of opposing levers that are contained in the trough when the trough is empty and that pivot proud out of the trough around and against the input device installed in the trough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2021
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Applicant: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Nathan Michael THOME, Aseem SINGLA, Robyn Rebecca Reed MCLAUGHLIN
  • Publication number: 20220374052
    Abstract: A method of controlling opening resistance in an electronic device includes maintaining the electronic device in a closed state via a resistive force, wherein the resistive force is applied by at least one of: a hinge of the electronic device, and magnets of the electronic device. The method further includes using a sensor on an underside of the electronic device to detect a force applied to a first portion of the electronic device and determining that the force corresponds to a user initiating opening of the electronic device. In accordance with the determination, the method further includes reducing the resistive force to assist the user in opening the electronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Inventors: Han LI, Masaaki FUKUMOTO, Nathan Michael THOME, James David HOLBERY, Paul Christopher KOS
  • Publication number: 20190096603
    Abstract: A computing device may include a housing with an aperture. A switch with an activation surface is connected to the housing. A button may be slidable within the aperture and may be configured to receive an activation force from a user to activate the switch. The button may be moveable to activate the switch. The button may have a back surface that is offset from the activation surface of the switch such that when the button is moved to the active position the activation surface and the back surface do not come into direct contact. An adapter may be positioned between the switch and the button, where the adapter has a switch surface and a button surface. The button surface may be aligned with the back surface of the button and the switch surface may be aligned with the activation surface of the switch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Nathan Michael THOME, Joseph Benjamin GAULT
  • Publication number: 20180108499
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are electronic devices with a sensor configured to breakaway from an input button or input/output interface. In one example, the electronic device includes a button positioned within an opening of a chassis or housing. A sensor is in communication with the button, wherein the button is configured to contact the sensor in a first sensor position upon application of an activation force. At least one magnet is configured to retain the sensor in the first sensor position by a frictional or magnetic force. Additionally, the sensor is configured to move from the first sensor position to a second sensor position upon application of a force greater than the frictional or magnetic force and less than a sensor damage force. The activation force is less than the frictional or magnetic force, which is less than the sensor damage force.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Publication date: April 19, 2018
    Inventors: Nathan Michael Thome, Kenneth Charles Boman
  • Patent number: 9947491
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are electronic devices with a sensor configured to breakaway from an input button or input/output interface. In one example, the electronic device includes a button positioned within an opening of a chassis or housing. A sensor is in communication with the button, wherein the button is configured to contact the sensor in a first sensor position upon application of an activation force. At least one magnet is configured to retain the sensor in the first sensor position by a frictional or magnetic force. Additionally, the sensor is configured to move from the first sensor position to a second sensor position upon application of a force greater than the frictional or magnetic force and less than a sensor damage force. The activation force is less than the frictional or magnetic force, which is less than the sensor damage force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2018
    Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Nathan Michael Thome, Kenneth Charles Boman
  • Publication number: 20160273564
    Abstract: Examples of the disclosure enable a printed circuit board to be coupled to a chassis. In some examples, a coupling mechanism includes a first body including a head portion and a shaft portion that has an inner surface defining a channel. The coupling mechanism includes a second body including a head portion and a shaft portion. At least a part of the second body shaft portion is positionable within the channel. An outer surface of the second body shaft portion is sized to enable the second body shaft portion to expand radially or move laterally within the channel when the part of the second shaft portion is positioned within the channel. Examples of the disclosure enable the printed circuit board to be coupled to a chassis in low-profile, reduced-stress manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2015
    Publication date: September 22, 2016
    Inventors: James Michael BONICATTO, Andrew William HILL, Nathan Michael THOME, John GODFREY, Robyn MCLAUGHLIN, Santosh SHETTY